France's U21 team triumphed over England in a thrilling friendly match held on March 21, 2025, at the Stade du Moustoir in Lorient, winning with a score of 5-3. The match was not only a test of skill but also preparation for the upcoming Euro U21 tournament scheduled in Slovakia from June 11 to 28.
The game kicked off with an electrifying pace as England's McAtee opened the scoring just two minutes in, taking advantage of a corner (1-0, 2’). However, France quickly regrouped. Merlin equalized shortly afterward in the fourth minute with an assist from Cherki (1-1, 4’). Just three minutes later, Ekitike scored with a brilliant long pass from Cherki, turning the score in favor of France at 2-1 (7’). The match was already proving to be an exciting spectacle.
As the clock ticked on, the intensity of the game didn’t wane. Ekitike netted his second at the 35-minute mark, connecting seamlessly with Odobert's assist, extending the lead to 3-1. Just before half-time, Elliott managed to bring England back into contention with a goal (3-2, 37’). This back-and-forth action made for a captivating first half.
After the break, Ekitike showcased his scoring prowess by completing his hat-trick early in the second half, boosting the score to 4-2 (55’). Yet again, England responded as Delap found the net, narrowing France's lead to 4-3 (61’). The tension mounted as England received a golden opportunity to equalize, but Elliott infamously missed a penalty kick, firing the ball into the stands rather than the net (68’).
Not deterred by this missed chance, France continued to press forward. Cherki played a crucial role throughout the match by adding to his tally, scoring France's fifth goal with a remarkable finish that sealed the victory at 5-3 (73’). The match ended on a dramatic note as England's Hutchinson was sent off with a red card for a dangerous tackle in the 87th minute, closing a frenetic fixture with the excitement it deserved.
The match served as an important warm-up for the French U21 team ahead of the Euro U21 tournament, with the players impressed by their manager, Gérald Baticle. “This game allows us to gauge where we stand ahead of the Euro 2025,” said Baticle after the match, underscoring the importance of this victory against the reigning European U21 champions.
With the victory, France hopes to build momentum as they prepare for their next friendly match in Slovakia, scheduled for March 24, 2025, as they aim to finalize their squad and tactics ahead of their Euro group stage matches against Portugal, Georgia, and Poland. The coach's goal is to refine the team’s approach, address defensive issues, and enhance the strategic aspects of their game.
The game attracted a strong crowd of 15,271 spectators, eager to witness this key encounter between two young footballing nations. Enthusiastic fans applauded the rapid exchanges and skillful plays, marking a memorable start to the year for the French U21 squad.
With several players stepping up their game, notably Hugo Ekitike’s hat-trick and Rayan Cherki's influential performance, the French U21s demonstrated their potential and promise for the upcoming tournament. The fans left with high hopes and excitement for what is to come in Euro 2025, having experienced a spectacular match that showcased not only the talent of these young players but also their fighting spirit on the pitch.